Jeremiah 33:14-16 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Psalm 25:1-9

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees;” Jesus says, “as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.”

St. Hildegard of Bingen (beengin) was a 12^th century German Benedictine abbess known as a mystic and visionary.  In her writings, St. Hildegard draws our attention to Jesus’ parable of the fig tree, comparing the bitterness of the green not-yet-ripened fruit to our time on earth, dragged down by faithlessness and false belief as the end times draw near.  In our Gospel lesson, Jesus alerts us to the bitter times that are to come when people will faint with fear and foreboding as the powers of heaven are shaken. “Be on guard,” Jesus says, that we not be caught unexpectedly, like a trap, on that Last Day.

I have to admit to a cynical chuckle as I reviewed this Gospel lesson in preparation for stewardship season, which is upon us.  If I were a fire and brimstone preacher, I would threaten you with fear of the heavens shaking if you do not return your pledge form with a healthy financial commitment to this year’s campaign.  Or, if I were a “prosperity gospel” believer, I would assure you of great earthly financial prosperity sent to you from God in direct return for your pledge to the mission and ministry of our parish.  

But neither is the case.  I will neither threaten you with wrath-filled powers of heaven or promise you financial rewards; I can only assure you of God’s love for us – the assurance that God loves us equally regardless of our pledge. God loves us and wants to please us.

In return, our earthly calling is to love God – to grow daily in our love for God – to love God and to grow daily in our desire to please God.  Like any parent or teacher or leader, God desires that we follow his will out of love and a desire to please, not out of fear of punishment or expectation of earthly reward.

God does not promise us escape from bitter times, only that living in the knowledge of his love, we will endure the bitter times.

St. Hildegard writes further, “With keen attention look at the bitterness of martyrdom and of anxieties, because these things will later console the suffering, just as the fig tree bears fruit that is displeasing at first and later sweet… On that very last day, (our earthly) longings and inordinate desires will cease… because eternal things will be present then.”  Fruit that is displeasing at first and later sweet.  The sweetness will come when God is fully present.  

Until that time, even through the most bitter times of our earthly lives, even in our fears of the end times, God remains present with us, drawing us into that peace that passes all understanding, bringing us joy even in bitter times.  St. Hildegard reminds us that signs of God’s miracles are at hand among the faithful; “Look up,” she says, “lift up your heads toward God.”  

Today, we hear Jesus’ words and hold fast to his promise, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”  Because we love God, we pledge our time and talents to the furtherance of the words of Jesus Christ.  Because we love God, we pledge our time and talents to see that the Church – the Body of Christ continues to be present in the lives of generations to come.

No doubt your daily mail brings numerous requests for your financial contributions to your alma maters and various charities that appeal to your desire to help your neighbor.  I add to that appeal and encourage you to make the Church the priority of your charitable giving.  

As parishioners of the Church of the Advent, remember our marginalized neighbors who find food, clothing, and kindness provided with your help under this roof.  Remember those whose lives have been shattered by alcohol abuse who find solace and strength here because you provide safe space for them.  Remember our vulnerable young people of Boy Scout Troop #5 whose character and leadership skills are being fostered in this welcoming environment; they will lead our community in years to come with thanksgiving for the part you have played in their development.  As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, “How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?”

Consider that your alma mater will stay in touch as long as your contributions keep coming; they will post your name among their honor roll of donors.  And, hopefully, your dollars will be used for honorable causes that you support.  But none of them will baptize your children; none of them will marry you or your daughters; none of them will pray at the grave of your loved ones or offer ongoing sympathy and solace for those you leave behind.  The Church will.  The Church will do all this and more.  And, remember, we are the Church, and the ongoing mission and ministry of the Church is up to us.

The words of today’s Gospel lesson are disconcerting, even frightening.  The reality is that we will one day stand before the Son of Man.  Perhaps our fear is that that day will be a bitter day, but God’s love will surpass that bitterness; with faith that day will mature into eternal sweetness like that of the juicy ripe fig that Hildegard visualizes. The word of the LORD assures us of this promise; heaven and earth will pass away, but the words of our LORD will not pass away.